The Lancashire home made famous by Dame Patricia Routledge -as her death is announced age 96
35 East Park Avenue, Darwen, looks like an unassuming home in a Lancashire mill town, but it’s much more than that.
For those of us old enough to remember, the house played a major role in the 90’s series Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, which ran on the BBC from 1996 to 1998, and starred Dame Patricia Routledge, who has died today aged 96.
Hetty, played by Dame Routledge, had just turned 60 and decided to form a detective agency with her teenage sidekick Geoffrey. In the first few episodes, she is seen living at 35 East Park Avenue, Darwen, though in later series, viewers claim this moved to a house in nearby Sudell Road.
Darwen Market was also shown in the series, as well as The Victoria pub in Sudell Road, and the Lodges Supermarket in Railway Road, where Geoffrey worked stacking shelves. Other Lancashire locations shown included the canalside buildings in Burnley, St Mary’s RC Church in Lord Street, Fleetwood, Warner and Church Street in Accrington, St Augustine’s Leisure Centre in Preston, and Eva Street in Rusholme, Manchester.
In total, four series of Hetty Wainthropp Investigates were made, with episodes regularly pulling in 10m viewers.
Dame Patricia Routledge
Best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearenaces, the beloved Wirral actress died in her sleep this motning aged 96.
The Tranmere-born star is considered one of the UK’s most prestigious actresses and made her professional stage debut in 1952.During her impressive career, the cherished actor appeared in many productions, including more than 60 television shows. Her accolades included a Tony Award, an Olivier, an OBE, CBE, and DBE for services to theatre and charity.
A statement to the PA news agency said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love.
“Even at 96 years old, Dame Patricia’s passion for her work and for connecting with live audiences never waned, just as new generations of audiences have continued to find her through her beloved television roles.”